Page 75 of Stay with Me

When Nicholas had arrived by ship in London two days ago, he’d had to sneak through the city. Even when he reached the garrison for the king’s guard, he’d done so under cover of darkness, keeping to the shadows. He approached the commanding officer, Lord Clayborne, only after everyone else had retired for the night.

At first Nicholas had been afraid he might have to fight the seasoned knight. But his old friend had given him an opportunity to explain the accusations of treason leveled against him. When he finished, Lord Clayborne had clamped him on the shoulder. “You have been a man of integrity and honor since the first day I met you. Your brother’s accusations against you rang hollow, but I had no way to prove he was lying until now.”

Nicholas gave Lord Clayborne the secret message and shared his speculations of Simon’s plans regarding the attack of the French against Canterbury. Thankfully, the commander hadtaken the threat seriously and presented the information to the king.

Even though Nicholas hadn’t had the physical letter to use as solid evidence against Simon, word had already reached the king and his advisors that the French were readying ships and men along their coast. They’d feared the French were preparing for a raid, but they hadn’t known when or where... until Nicholas arrived with his news.

“The guards at the city gates,” Lord Clayborne spoke gravely as he peered ahead. “What think you? Are they loyal to Simon? Has he put his own men in place already?”

“I do not believe Simon will risk putting anyone associated with him at the gates, not yet. ’Twould cause overmuch suspicion.”

Torchlight burned from the walls just inside the closed and locked gate. Built only three years previously by the former archbishop, Westgate was the largest and best of the Canterbury gates. Made of Kentish ragstone, the lofty towers on either side of the bridge rose sixty feet with battlements that were strong and would aid them in repelling French forces.

The current archbishop, William Courtenay, had also poured funds into repairing and fortifying Canterbury’s walls. The true test of their viability was finally at hand, and Nicholas could only pray the walls would be able to withstand the assault.

He assessed the city as best he could. Some windows were still lit, but most residences and businesses were dark, with only the faint light of the moon reflecting off tile and thatched roofs and the spires of Canterbury Cathedral rising above them all. “I suspect Simon will wait until the night of the offensive before planting his men into position within the city to unlock Newingate.”

The French had picked one of the gates that would lead into the heart of the city and allow for the most destruction. It alsopassed near St. Sepulchre. ’Twas convenient for Simon in his efforts to take control of the wellspring.

Ahead, outside the gates, were several encampments of pilgrims who’d flocked to the cathedral and the shrine to St. Thomas Becket. There were also camps of laborers who had no home or refuge within the city. At the thudding of the horses’ hooves against the road, the people around campfires began to rise and watch the approaching knights. The sight of two dozen of the king’s fiercest warriors would spark fear in the breast of any man.

Lord Clayborne had already decided to meet inquiries with the tale that they were riding out to Dover on the morrow. Not only would the king’s retinue circle back and lie in wait for a surprise attack against the French on the Dover Road, but word had gone out to other knights around Kent to converge upon Canterbury. It wouldn’t be long ere dozens more armed men arrived to defend the city. In addition, His Royal Majesty had ordered additional naval forces to patrol the coast with the hope of staving off the French from landing altogether.

While Lord Clayborne and his men laid a trap, Nicholas planned to ride with a few men to Reider Castle on the morrow and ambush any men Simon might send out to Canterbury to open the city gates. If he could disable Simon, then the French wouldn’t be able to enter the city if they happened to make it past Lord Clayborne.

As Nicholas reached the first encampment, he nodded at the men, recognizing a few from his travels around Kent. “We’ll be making camp here tonight and passing on our way to Dover on the morrow.”

“Problems with the French, sire?” The light of the fire cast a glow over wary faces as they watched the rest of the knights halt nearby.

“Could be.” Nicholas jangled the coins in the leather pouch at his side. “What information can you give us?”

All eyes focused on the pouch. The same fellow spoke again, this time more eagerly. “We heard rumors that Lord Worth is searching for your new bride.”

The words punched Nicholas in his gut and sent panic rippling through him. “When did you hear such news?” He was surprised his question came out so calmly instead of as an anguished shout.

The laborer shrugged and stared pointedly at Nicholas’s bag.

Nicholas jumped off his mount and was barreling toward the man before he could blink. This was no time to be playing games. He grabbed the man’s neck and squeezed. “Reveal all you know. Now.”

The poor fellow’s eyes widened with fear. And as soon as Nicholas released him, he stumbled several rapid steps back. “Earlier today, Lord Worth rode into the city and offered a reward to anyone who could lead him to your bride.”

“And did anyone do his bidding?” This time his question echoed with a deadly rage.

“I don’t think so. But I don’t know for certain.”

Nicholas gazed around at the other men who’d also retreated from the fire, ready to flee from his wrath. Yes, he was being a brute. But he didn’t care. Not when Sybil’s life was at stake. “Did he succeed in capturing her?”

Another of the cowering men shook his head. “We don’t know of anyone who took up the offer to guide him into the Weald.”

Nicholas’s pulse raced with an urgency that drowned out all other thoughts. He had to get to her before Simon did. Tonight. Now.

With heavy steps, Nicholas returned to his horse and mounted. As he gathered his reins, he paused before LordClayborne. “I pray you will forgive me for parting ways from you this night, my lord. But I must be off to prevent my brother from harming my wife.”

Lord Clayborne wrapped his reins around his gloves more firmly. “Perhaps Simon is baiting you. If you go after your wife, you will find yourself in his clutches once more.”

“Be that as it may, I must ensure her safety above my own.” As soon as he reached her, he would hasten her away from Devil’s Bend. He’d have to ride with her to London and seclude her in the garrison or perhaps plead with the archbishop to give her sanctuary at Lambeth Palace. It didn’t really matter where she resided as long as she was some place that Simon couldn’t go.

“I would rally the men,” Lord Clayborne said, “and go with you myself if the matter at hand here were not so serious.”

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